WORD

HVCCA has a history of exhibitions that feature artists from the international community,
some with established careers and stellar reputations as well as those just emerging
onto the art stage. WORD is HVCCA’s first open call juried exhibition purposed to
highlight talented regional artists who prominently feature ‘a word’ or ‘words’ in their
artistic productions. Some 140 artists applied and 45 artists were selected. These newer
and lesser known works will sit side by side with works of artists such as Beatrice Coron,
Dylan Graham (Netherlands), Anne Hamilton (US 1999 Venice Biennale artist), John
Cougar Mellencamp, Jeffrey Gibson, Job Koelewijn (Netherlands), Laura Kimpton (SLS
Miami, Burning Man, California) and Robert Indiana.
Words have appeared historically as artistic forms in illuminated manuscripts, in Arabic
text on the walls of mosques and in its mosaic murals, on Chinese calligraphic scrolls.
‘Word’ as contemporary art form has been popularized by contemporary artists Ruche,
Wiener, Kruger and Holzer, Anastasi and others. Words have the power to hurt and to
heal, to be offered as prayer or diatribe. Some of these ‘word’ facets will be explored in
the works presented at the HVCCA. Education programs, word performances and
readings by renowned poets Gerald Stern and Cindy Beer Fouhy, will enhance the
visual exhibition at the HVCCA.

Two featured projects in ‘Word’ are:
I’m Tired Project by British artists Paula Akpan and Harriet Evans, highlighting the lasting
impact of everyday micro-aggressions, assumptions & stereotypes. Performance is
fused with written word as each of the participants formulate statements completing
the phrase “I’m tired of…” The statement can address absolutely any kind of
discrimination that the individual has personally experienced or feels passionate about.
The artist duo then transcribe the individual’s text onto his/her bare back, excising the
tension through this very physical act. Photography documents the final product,
serving as a personal and communal diary of purification and absolution.
Visions From the Inside, a collaborative project between visual artists and detained
migrants at the Karnes Detention Center. The project—a collaboration between
migrant artist network CultureStrike, LGBTQ advocacy group Mariposa Sin Fronteras and
immigrant justice organization End Family Detention—features the work of 15 artists.
Artists selected for ‘Word’ are:
Fafnir Adamites, Elizabeth Arnold, Robert Barthelmes, Carly Blais, Mati Bracha, Jo-Ann Brody,
Robert Brush, Kathryn Frund, Sally Gill, Nicolae Golici, Inguna Gremzde, Erica
Hauser, Carla Rae Johnson, Lance Johnson, Carole Kundstadt, Nestor Madalengoitia, Jean-
Marie Martin, Barry Mason, Kristina & Marek Milde (K&M), Bernard Mindich, Patricia Miranda,
Basha Ruth Nelson, Adam Niklewicz, Robert Olsson, Pamela Pearce, Emma Rivers, Lucas Rollins,
Gina Scalza, Bill Schuck, Mike Seri, Dusty Simi, Julie Sitler, Tom Smith, Thielking & Brunett, Justin B. Thomson & Bradly Dever Treadaway, and Les Von Losberg.